How emergency managers prepare for emergencies

No one can ever predict the next major disaster, but preparation is key in minimizing the impact.

We’ve heard it countless times – Have an emergency plan and several days’ worth of food, water, medication, important paperwork and other supplies stocked up just in case, but do we?

“Earthquakes, we know to duck and cover, get out of the way of anything falling,” one woman told us. “Fires, how to get out of the building, close the doors, get out the window and meet across the street or at the neighbor’s house.”

“Canned goods stored away and water, we’re very good on water and other than that, escape plan, that kind of stuff that does go through the head but actually making the plan with the family, haven’t done that yet,” one man told us.

You’re only as good after a disaster, as the quality of your preparations. So we went to the experts, the emergency managers of Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties, to find out how they prepare for emergencies.

Monterey County Office of Emergency Services Manager Gerry Malais says people should check around the house, making sure things are going to fall in an earthquake. He also has another go-to.

“Know where your electrical panel is, know how to get in it, know which is the main breaker so you only have to flip one switch and you’re done,” Malais said. “Know where our gas main is, know where your gas meter is, and know how to shut that off. Have a wrench handy that allows you to shut that off.”

Stock up with food and water, whether getting pre-made MRE’s or recycling canned goods every six months. Also make sure to have enough water, one gallon, per person, per day. Customize those plans if you have pets or kids.

“The rule of thumb is we may not get outside help for 7-10 days,” Malais said. “So we need to be prepared as county residents to support ourselves for that period of time. That would include all the services that we need.”

As for important documents like birth certificates, deeds and expensive possessions, emergency managers recommend storing copies on a flash drive or taking pictures and uploading them to a cloud.

“After a disaster, the things that really impact people the most is being able to show proof that they owned anything,” said Rosemary Anderson, emergency services manager for Santa Cruz County.

Other things these managers do – always keep at least half a tank of gas in their cars. If the power goes out, gas stations will close.

They also carry some cash.

“Not a huge amount of cash but I have a baggy full of quarters because if you didn’t have any access to anything else you might be able to utilize a vending machine or something of that nature to get food or drink or something,” Anderson said. “But cash is going to be important because if everything is down electronically, there’s no ATM, there’s no bank.”

Because communication can become nonexistent, parents should write down important numbers on a card and put that in their children’s backpack. Also, designate a point person outside of the area. In an emergency, give that person a status update when you can, and make sure friends and family know that.

People should not rely on first responders during disasters.

“People think, ‘I’ll just be able to call 911 or someone’s going to be able to come help me,’ but that’s not a reality. 911 is not an emergency plan,” Anderson said.

Monterey County residents can sign up for Alert Monterey to get text notifications of any disasters.

Santa Cruz County offers templates to help families plan for emergencies.

Monterey County:

https://member.everbridge.net/index/453003085611217#/login

Santa Cruz County:

http://www.co.santa-cruz.ca.us/Departments/EmergencyServices/DisasterPreparedness.aspx